she said softly. “What has happened? For your dress is hemmed in blood and your face is drained of colour.”

“I cannot find Josiah,” Elizabeth whispered, before she recalled herself and met the other woman’s gaze. “Captain Tenterchilt has not returned.”

“Nor has Captain Pottinger,” Anne replied more softly than Elizabeth would ever have expected her to. “I am sure their companies were simply requested to remain during the negotiations. Do not despair for your husband so readily.” Elizabeth nodded as Anne released her arms and she tried to calm her racing mind. “It is quite ordinary for some companies to return sooner than others. You will discover that.”

The two ladies walked towards the tents that they shared with their husbands. Before...

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